SD Army National Guard Recruitment

The South Dakota Army National Guard is still looking for new recruits despite a move to reduce its overall number of soldiers.

Officials announced in December that the South Dakota Army National Guard would trim its force of nearly 3,400 soldiers by 258 traditional positions and 19 full-time positions by Sept. 30.

Lt. Col. Joseph Jacobson says even though the force is being reduced, the National Guard expects to lose additional soldiers due to retirements, transfers and separations. Jacobson, who oversees recruiting and retention in South Dakota, says that means the Army National Guard needs to continue to recruit new soldiers to replace those who are leaving.

He says the South Dakota Army National Guard has stayed at or above its recruiting goals over the past decade.